LAMPASAS, TX — From Sears to Payless ShoeSource, some of the largest retailers across the country have made headlines closing their stores.
But what happens when a small business has to shut its doors?
Central Texas News Now had the chance to meet with people from mom-and-pop shops in Lampasas that will soon be going out of business.
Audra Pearce has been a part of the Swain's Lampasas Hardware family for a while.
"I've been here five years and I hate to see it go," said Pearce.
The store that has been a part of customers lives for more than 30 years is going out of business. Pearce said it's because sales are not where they need to be.
"When your sales are like $100 a day and from one day to the next and the sales just kept dropping," said Pearce.
The hardware store was not the only store in downtown Lampasas that shared it will soon be closed for good.
"We are going out of business after 53 years in the same location and we hope to be here through the end of May," said Jim Rutland, owner of Rutland's Fashion and Western Wear.
However, Rutland shared his decision to retire should leave a positive impact on the city. Someone has already purchased his store.
"He plans to completely restore the facades to the original 1880 architecture. In addition, he's going to put loft apartments upstairs," said Rutland.
No matter the reason for closing their doors, they both agreed, they were thankful for those who support small businesses and encouraged people to continue the gesture.
"Small towns rely on small businesses. As well as small towns rely on people shopping small businesses," said Pearce.
"We enjoy not only providing them with goods and services but learning about their families and their grandchildren and hearing about what's going on in their lives. So that's one of the things we're going to miss the most, is the relationship with our customers," said Rutland.
They shared everything must go.
The team at Swain's Lampasas Hardware expected their sales to continue through the end of this month and Rutland's Fashion and Western Wear should be open through the end of May.
